Your Cathedral

Center Of The Diocese

The Cathedral is the spiritual center, the ” Mother Church” of the diocese, and stands as its most prominent and enduring symbol. It is different from other churches as it houses the “Cathedra,” the bishop’s chair and symbol of his episcopal teaching authority. Here special events are held and the Bishop celebrates the major liturgical events of the year: Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Week, Easter, the Rite of Election, Chrism Mass, Marriage Jubilee and other various diocesan celebrations.

Living Parish Family

The faith of generations has been nourished at the house of the diocesan church. The Cathedral serves as the parish church to some 700 households hailing from fifty zip codes around the Capital District. The Cathedral witnesses daily to God’s presence through liturgies attended by people of all denominations. The Cathedral provides educational services and programs for the young people of the community. Cathedral Social Services, staffed by dedicated religious and volunteers, provides clothing, food and other necessities as well as referrals, to people in need.

Jewel Of The City

A distinguished feature of Albany’s skyline, the Cathedral’s trademark Gothic towers create a striking contrast against the modern forms of the Empire State Plaza. Iridescent 19th century stained glass windows imported from England,
intricate Dutch and German woodcarvings, stunning plasterwork and soaring
spatial splendor elevate the Cathedral as one of America’s most unique and important church structures.

A Beacon of Hope – A Center of Prayer

The Cathedral is a dynamic symbol of the sacred in the midst of the secular, offering beauty, solace and comfort to all who enter. Every day people from all walks of life visit the Cathedral and find a harbor of refuge in the heart of the city. The Cathedral welcomes ecumenical events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Service, and joint services with the Episcopal Cathedral of All Saints. The Cathedral is the site of the first reconciliation service conducted between Jews and Catholics, an event marked by the sculpture “Portal” on the west end of the building.

Center For The Arts

Throughout its history the Cathedral has served the city and greater community as a center for art and culture. The Albany Symphony, Albany pro Musica, The Empire State Youth Orchestra have all performed against the cathedral’s majestic gothic backdrop as have national and international artists like the Boston Brass and the noted tenor Mr. Anthony Kearns.